Social Justice as a Dimension of University Social Responsibility

Abstract

This chapter examines social justice as an element of university social responsibility (USR). In the face of persistent structural inequality, I discuss strategies for promoting social justice as intentional university platforms. I then explore institutional philosophies on empowering agents of change for a socially just society. This includes the university supporting inclusive and equitable action for people who have been historically underserved by higher education. I posit “start at home” as a new perspective on social responsibility related to campus climate and environment for faculty, students, and staff from diverse backgrounds. Finally, I propose a university social responsibility (USR) typology for universities with a social justice dimension their mission. The method includes a literature review and a thematic analysis of diverse universities’ social justice stances and statements. Accordingly, the paper addresses three research questions. (a) How can social justice be explicitly included in Universities’ third mission policies and activities (processes and outcomes)? (b) How can universities, as change agents, help produce socially responsible students and citizens? (c) Is there a typology for social justice as social responsibility for universities to self-diagnose their position relating to the intersection of social justice, community engagement, and the shaping of fair and just future practitioners?